Bush Tucker Man truck retires

Many people fondly remember the Bush Tucker Man ABC series with Major Les Hiddins, his famous hat, and of course, his army Land Rover. Now, the much-loved truck has been retired and is on display at the Darwin Military Museum.

The camouflage Land Rover - with tools fixed to its bonnet - travelled with Les through Far North Queensland, Arnhem Land and the Kimberley on a mission to build survival skills in remote areas.

Museum director Dr Tom Lewis said the truck had been submerged many times in its adventures, continuing long after the Bush Tucker Man series.

"There are a lot of soldiers who live in remote areas who know a lot of these bush survival skills but the series can show them even more," Dr Lewis said.

"After the series was finished the army took the vehicle back and it's been used around the Top End ever since."

Dr Lewis said there was a fair bit of concern when there was a possibility the truck would be taken down south and sold, still with its iconic number plate - 48 001.

"On the bonnet we've got a pick ax handle, blade screwed down separately - suitable for running down and chasing kangaroos - a shovel - good for getting bogged - and an ax, all tied down with screws and bolts," Dr Lewis said.

"There's the bull bar, two extra spotlights, a winch. It's in pretty good nick but we'll have to start conserving it now."

The army is replacing these vehicles with a six-wheel Mercedes.

"Apparently the Mercedes have airbag suspension - this one has coil-spring suspension which was a vast improvement on the last ones.

"I don't know if the soldiers are getting any softer but certainly the ride is."